Allah spoke to us in many ways, telling us of our need to believe in Him and His Signs. The Quran claims that it confirms the messages before it (Qs 5:48). It also tells us to follow the Signs of Allah that are found in the Taurat and the Injil (Qs 5:47).
But what are Allah’s Signs? Since there is one clear message that we are to follow, shouldn’t we try to understand the core meaning of that message?
Mercy for Adam and Eve
The story of man begins with Adam and Eve. They listened to Iblis instead of Allah (Taurat, Genesis 3:1-6). In their disobedience, Adam and Eve were the first to experience shame. They tried to cover their shame with leaves. Allah was not pleased with this covering (Taurat, Genesis 3:7). He sacrificed an animal to cover their shame (Taurat, Genesis 3:21). Allah extended his mercy to Adam and Eve. We all need the mercy of Allah.
Mercy for Noah
Humans continued to walk away from Allah. So He decided to destroy mankind (Taurat, Genesis 6:5-7). Allah raised up Noah to preach a clear message: There is one way of salvation, the way of mercy that Allah provides. We all need the mercy of Allah to cover our shame.
Allah Provides a Substitute for Ibrahim’s Son
Allah told the prophet Ibrahim to take his son and sacrifice him on a mountain (Qs 37:102; Taurat, Genesis 22:2). Ibrahim trusted Allah, so he took his son and obeyed (Qs 37:108; Genesis 22:3). But as he was about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him. Allah provided an animal to take the place of his son (Qs 37:106-107; Genesis 22:12-13). The animal redeemed Ibrahim’s son. Eid al-Adha is a beautiful reminder that Allah always provides a redeeming sacrifice.
The People of Israel Were Redeemed by Sacrifice
Later, Allah sent Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt (Taurat, Exodus 6:6-11). Allah sent 10 signs of judgment on the Egyptians. The last one was the death of the firstborn child in each house by the Angel of Death (Taurat, Exodus 8-11).
The Hebrew people were to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood on the doorposts of the house (Taurat, Exodus 12:3-7). The Angel of Death would see the blood and know the children inside had been redeemed by a sacrifice (Taurat, Exodus 12:27-29). Later, Moses gave the people the Law of Allah (Taurat). In the law, if someone wanted to cover his shame, he brought an animal sacrifice, and laid his hands on its head, symbolically transferring his shame to the animal (Taurat, Leviticus 4).
The Prophets Spoke of a Redeemer
David and the prophets followed the Law given through Moses. However, they spoke of something in Allah’s plan from the beginning. They saw that Allah desired to cover the shame of the whole world. The prophets believed that Allah’s plan was to give one sacrifice for the entire world.
One would come from the line of David who would be without shame (2 Samuel 7:13). David called him the Messiah – the one anointed by Allah to be a King forever. But He would be more than just a king. The prophets clearly stated that this One would suffer as a redeemer in our place (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53).
Jonah Disobeyed God
Allah told the prophet Jonah to go speak his word in Nineveh (Jonah 1:2). Jonah disobeyed Allah and tried to run from him (Jonah 1:3). When a great storm arose, the sailors threw Jonah into the sea as a sacrifice to Allah, hoping to calm the storm (Jonah 1:4, 15). Jonah was swallowed by a large fish and spent three nights in its belly (Jonah 1:17-2:9). The fish then spit Jonah out, and he obeyed Allah (Jonah 2:10, 3:3). Jonah was sacrificed in place of the sailors, but Allah did not abandon him.
Allah returned Jonah to earth to finish his calling.
Isa Al-Masih Fulfilled God’s Plan
Then Isa Al-Masih came to earth. He taught that one must have a new, clean heart to walk with Allah (Injil, Mark 5:15). After Isa had done many miracles, the religious leaders demanded that he give them another sign (Injil, Matthew 12:38). He told them that the only sign he would give them was the Sign of Jonah (Injil, Matthew 12:39). Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days, the Son of Man would die and be buried for three days (Injil, Matthew 12:40). Just as Jonah returned to finish what Allah had called him to do, the Messiah also returned from death to finish His task (Injil, Matthew 28:6-20).
Isa Al-Masih sacrificed himself as the Redeemer in our place (Injil, Matthew 27:35). He became the Lamb of Allah who takes away the sins of the world. The Injil says, “He is the atoning sacrifice [payment, satisfaction] for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (Injil, I John 2:2).
Just like in the days of Noah, Allah has provided one way to escape the judgment to come. Allah’s great sacrifice is Isa Al-Masih. Is this what all of the prophets pointed to? How would your life be different if you were to submit to Allah and receive His sacrifice?
[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6) For a deeper understanding of Jesus we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]
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jasmin says
1 August 2013 at 11:37 pm`
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Stefan says
15 October 2013 at 5:13 pm`
Dear Muslim friends,
I have a big question concerning Isa in Islam: The Holy Quran states that Isa is “… foremost in this world and the world to come,” and was given true knowledge about the Day of Judgment. Allah says that Isa would be a sign to mankind for the judgment day:
Qs 43:61 says, “And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.”
How is Isa a sign for the judgment day, when He is not the last prophet? Why is He mentioned alone in regards to Qayamat?
muslim says
29 January 2014 at 12:14 pm`
Stefan,
Where does the Quran say that Isa is given ”true knowledge of the hour”. Anyway, Isa will descend near the day of resurrection to complete his prophethood, he will rule with the shariah of Muhammad(p) and will be helped by the Mahdi. His return will put Christians on the right.This is why it is said, ”He will break the cross and kill the pigs.”
However, Muhammad(p) has already completed his prophet-hood before he was taken. His mission was perfected by Allah in the Quran. The Last sermon also bears witness to this. When the Quran says Isa will be foremost in this world and in the hereafter, you give the impression that Isa is somehow above everyone else. However, in the Quran, even staunch believers who are foremost in this world will be foremost in the hereafter. Note that, Muhammad will be the first to cross into paradise and only his intercession will be accepted. In this sense, Muhammad is given more honor and prestige than Isa(p).
Stefan says
3 February 2014 at 9:01 pm`
Dear Muslim,
The question remains: Why is Isa mentioned alone in regards to qayamat?
Surah 43:61:
“And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.” (context)
Surah 43:63:
“And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, “I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me.” ( Isa speaks)
Why does He alone know the hour? Why is following Him ‘the straight path’? Why do Muslims need to obey Him (Isa)?
Dear friend, your stories are not from the Holy Quran, but traditions. I need references like this one:
Surah 3, 55 (Allah speaks):
“And when Allah said, “Isa, I will take you (make you die) and raise you to Myself and clear you of those who disbelieve (Jews) and I will make those who follow you (Christians) superior to those who disbelieve (pagans) till the Day of Resurrection…. ”
aila says
25 July 2014 at 1:25 am‘
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Con says
7 February 2019 at 11:30 am~
Stefan,
Because Isa (Jesus/Yeshua) is the Savior. Quran twists the focus from the Salvation of God to Muhammad. Please read the Gospel of John to know God’s love and soverign plan for humanity. Blessing to you.